Style That Gives Back: Kamibashi String Dolls

What better way to give back than by making people smile? That’s exactly what the String Dolls by Kamibashi do. These adorable handmade dolls are sure to put a big grin on anyone’s face.  What’s even better is that all of the talented artisans responsible for their creation are paid above the living wage in Thailand!

Kamibashi is a member of the Fair Trade Federation and has always been committed to Fair Trade business principles. They work with two groups of artisans from rural, farming villages in the Northern part of Thailand and pay fair prices and above-average commissions for all of the amazing work. Their String Dolls come from a variety of sources and the artisans are dedicated to creating high-quality, well-designed products.

What exactly is a String Doll, you ask? Each doll is handcrafted into a loveable character using one piece of string. There are more than 100 different characters and each is durable enough to be used as a keychain or as a bag charm. They make fantastic gifts – each is given a “good luck power, inscribed on a fabric tag.” Pick one that suits you or someone close to you!

These String Dolls are sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces. Pick one up at your campus bookstore today!

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Style that Gives Back: SEAsTra Open Weave Scarves

During this next installment of our Style that Gives Back: Look Good, Do Good series, we’re moving eastward to Thailand to focus on SEAsTra’s beautiful, hand-woven scarves. SEAsTra , which stands for Southeast Asia Trade, is a member of both the Fair Labor Association and Fair Trade Los Angeles. Their main goals are the prohibition of child labor and fair compensation, sustainability, and individual and cultural respect.

All of the scarves are handwoven by artisans in northern Thailand.

SEAsTra works with artisan groups throughout Southeast Asia in order to promote their handmade items to consumers all over the world. They operate under a Fair Trade business model and are dedicated to making sure 10% of their profits are reinvested back into the local communities. We’re happy to feature their gorgeous Open Weave Cotton Scarves on our Trend Table, carefully crafted by Klum Doi Tao in the hills of northwestern Thailand.

A draped blue open weave scarf.

These funky and fun scarves have interesting origins. The area they come from is home to both Karen and Tai people who have long worked side-by-side. As farmers, they grow their own cotton and also mix their own dyes. This has allowed them to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly enterprise that produces high-quality products that are each unique. All of the dyeing and weaving support the agricultural work of the local farming communities.

The dyes are made by the agricultural communities.

These scarves come in a variety of sizes, textures, and colors. The dedication and skills of the artisans also ensure that each product is of incredibly high quality. They are loose enough to spice up a summertime outfit but are also sure to add a pop of color during the winter season.

If the inspiring and harmonious cooperation of the Thai communities isn’t enough, the stunning design of each scarf is sure to make a statement.  With the proceeds being reinvested in these agricultural communities, this truly is Style that Gives Back.

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